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Netherlands, Rotterdam
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Foundation Years are Grades 6–8 (ages 11–14). The Rose Programme supports a smooth transition into secondary school with an inquiry-based, diverse core that includes pastoral and language opportunities. Middle Years are Grades 9–10 and combine the Cambridge IGCSE with RISS subjects, with regular Dutch language learning and a focus on wellbeing and community through the RISS Reach programme. Senior Years are Grades 11–12 and offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), with a subject package that includes Higher and Standard Level options and the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, Extended Essay) or the CP core (Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, Language and Cultural Studies). Subject choices depend on student numbers and teacher availability.
Arts, Music and Physical Education are part of the curriculum, with the Arts emphasising creative and critical thinking across disciplines. The Music Department provides opportunities to create, perform and use technology, and supports participation in external examinations or competitions (e.g., AMIS or ABRSM). The Arts offer a platform for students to develop subject-specific knowledge and express themselves artistically through drama, music and visual arts.
The language department offers English Language, English as an Additional Language, Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Heritage language options and two language electives are available to pupils, with opportunities to showcase languages during events such as International Language Day. International Language Day is celebrated in March, highlighting both mother-tongue languages and languages learned at school. The school represents more than 70 nationalities, reflecting its international character.
A broad range of extra-curricular activities is offered, including Sporting Clubs (multi-sport, floorball/indoor hockey, jiu-jitsu, tennis, badminton, basketball) and Non-Sporting Clubs (Debate Club, Eco Team, Gala Committee, Queer Spectrum Alliance, Tech Crew, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, RISSUE, Music School, Student Leadership Team and Human Rights). All clubs are led by experienced teachers or coaches and there are opportunities for trips and events throughout the year. These activities give students avenues to develop new skills, make friends and enjoy their time at school.
The IB Career-related Programme includes a strong Community Engagement component and encourages students to undertake projects beyond the classroom. Students participate in community projects such as greenhouse gardening, anti-littering campaigns, volunteering and assisting at events like TEDx in Rotterdam. The Pastoral Programme and related curricula support social responsibility and community involvement within the school culture.
The school runs a Student Leadership Programme (StuLT) that fosters student voice and leadership through a structured Student Leadership Team. Careers & Higher Education Guidance provides individual guidance on career paths and university options, supported by tools like Unifrog and a programme of events including career fairs and alumni visits. Students and parents can access guidance through the Careers & HE team, with coordinators and contact details provided in the programme materials.
The Pastoral Programme focuses on social, emotional and physical well-being, guided by the Wayfarer Education Personal, Social, Emotional and Health framework. Tutors deliver the pastoral curriculum, with training for teachers to recognise child safety and well-being needs and to address issues such as drug prevention through partnerships like YOUZ. Topics include health and wellbeing, identity, relationships, social media awareness and planning for the future, all aimed at supporting students' holistic development.
Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS) is part of the Wolfert van Borselen School Group and operates two campuses: Junior on Bentincklaan 294 and Senior on Schimmelpenninckstraat 23. For students aged 11–18, the curriculum runs Foundation Years (grades 6–8), Middle Years (9–10) and Senior Years (11–12). RISS offers Cambridge IGCSE, the IB Diploma Programme (DP), the IB Career-related Programme (CP) and a BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Business. In CP, three IB DP subjects sit with a BTEC core; DP core includes Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay. A Rose Programme characterises Foundation Years as experiential learning, while Middle Years include RISS Reach course. Senior Years provide DP or CP pathways, supported by a library and digital resources, plus a broad extracurricular offering including Debate, Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school represents more than 70 nationalities and offers language choices.
